Canal Holidays in the UK

Used for transportation up until the early 1960s, many of Britain’s waterways have been fully restored and there are now thousands of miles of navigable canals and rivers throughout the UK, ideal for canal holidays. They range from peaceful rural routes such as the famous Norfolk Broads, to busy canals which pass through major cities, including London and Birmingham. Most areas offer overnight mooring free of charge, and there are many restaurants and pubs close by, making a canal holiday the ideal getaway for a family UK holiday.

 

A UK canal holiday offers the best of all worlds; looked after by Waterscape and British Waterways, the UK’s canals are well loved by walkers, cyclists, anglers and boating enthusiasts alike. A good selection of fish may be caught from Britain’s canal banks, including carp, tench and pike, so it’s easy to combine UK boat holidays with fishing holidays. A free cycle pass allows you to cycle on towpaths up and down the country and explore the fabulous British countryside; spectacular scenery and attractions for the whole family, and many canal towpaths are part of the National Cycle Network. Most waterways have prolific wildlife and you may see a huge range of British mammals, birds and insects, including kingfishers, bats, otters, badgers, and dragonflies and damselflies. Some canals, such as the Kennet and Avon and the Grand Union, pass through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

 

Messing about on a boat – what could be better? With a top speed of 4 miles per hour, you can afford to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life. Boats are available to hire in a variety of different sizes and specifications, at budgets to suit everyone. The traditional canal narrowboat is familiar to everybody, and can be used on all canals, whereas barges are restricted to bigger canals and rivers, and cruisers can only be taken on the Broads, the Thames and some canals in Scotland. Boat hire companies give tuition in steering your boat, or you can hire a boat complete with crew.